A waterfall in the union: 2006 class gift unveiled
An “infinity fountain” for the new student union will be the senior gift from UNCW’s class of 2006.
Aaron Whitesell, senior class president, is in the process of creating a committee and starting to collect donations for the fountain. Whitesell is working side-by-side with Shane Fernando, senior class adviser, who was responsible for the erecting of the clock tower in front of Randall Library when he was class president in 2000.
No small undertaking, this fountain will be will be 10-feet in height with water cascading down 6-feet. The bottom will have a 1-foot-6-inch tall pool roughly 18-feet wide. The cost of the infinity fountain is estimated at $125,000. This money will be raised through student donations, alumni and corporate sponsors. Depending on the amount, donors will either have their names inscribed in a commemorative book located in the library or on a name-plate plaque next to the fountain.
“The tentative title of the fountain is ‘Rebirth’,” Whitesell said. “It’s a new fountain, a new union and for those of us graduating, a new life or new start so, in a sense, a rebirth.”
Fernando is enthusiastic about the project and its appropriateness for the senior class. As the class that has seen the complete construction of the University Union addition, scheduled to open in May of 2006, it is fitting for this class to create and dedicate the focal point for future generations.
The fountain will be placed in the glass café area of the new union. The waterfall is planned to face the north side of the building that features the ampi-theater and clock tower. At night, the fountain will be lighted so it can be seen throughout the commons.
“Simply put, the fountain will be a gorgeous piece of art work, and a centerpiece to our new union,” Fernando said. “It will surely be a great rallying point for our graduates now and in the future.”
“I wanted our class gift to be something tangible that I could bring my children or grandchildren back to campus someday to show them how my class contributed to campus,” said Stevie Loudermilk, a senior committee member. “It would be an awesome experience for children to visit UNCW 20 or 30 years from now and find their parent’s name fixed permanently at an important campus feature.”
Returning to UNCW five years after graduating, Fernando is deeply impressed by the student’s effort. “I am truly inspired to see a class have such enthusiasm,” he said. “It is great to see philanthropic giving on such a large scale, stemming from students just starting their lives out in the world. It speaks volumes about their future potential.”
Past senior class gifts have included the school seal in front of Randall Library, the UNCW wall on the path from the union to S & B and various scholarships and campus benches. “When seniors give something physical it helps other students see, on a daily basis, the concept of giving back to their university,” Vice Chancellor Pat Leonard said.
The project is open to participation for all students, faculty members and staff; the committee hopes to get the whole community involved. Fernando and Whitesell both encourage anybody with some time to assist with mailings or head up a subcommittee. To become involved or to give a donation, contact Whitesell at [email protected] or call Fernando at 962-3043.